SOURCE OF WEALTH: MBNA
FUNDING AREAS: Jewish Causes, Health, Arts & Culture, Education
OVERVIEW: Norma Lerner conducts philanthropy through the Lerner Foundation, which, according to available tax filings, granted around $1.9 million in 2018. Grantmaking concentrates on the Cleveland, Ohio area.
BACKGROUND: Norma Lerner is the widow of Al Lerner, who founded credit card giant MBNA. The company was acquired by Bank of America for $35 billion in 2005.
ISSUES:
JEWISH CAUSES: Lerner is a trustee of Jewish Federation of Cleveland, which she steadily supports via her foundation. Other grantees have included World Jewish Congress American Section, Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, and Temple Tifereth Israel, her longtime synagogue. Lerner was appointed by President George W. Bush as a Member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, another grantee.
HEALTH: Lerner is on the board of directors of the Cleveland Clinic, which she steadily supports. The family are also major patrons of Case Western Reserve University, home to the Lerner College of Medicine. Al and Norma Lerner created the school with a $100 million gift. Cleveland Clinic is also home to the Lerner Research Institute, which engages in translational and clinical research.
ARTS & CULTURE: Lerner supports the Cleveland Orchestra, and his co-chaired galas at the institution. She’s also supported places like Cleveland Museum of Arts – Autism Speaks.
EDUCATION: Grantees have included Horatio Alger Association, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation and Cleveland State University Foundation.
LOOKING FORWARD: Expect giving to continue to track with established interest areas.
CONTACT:
The Lerner Foundation does not provide a clear avenue for getting in touch with the family but below is an address:
The Lerner Foundation
26500 Curtiss Wright Pkwy.
Highland Heights, OH 44143
